Bermuda Cricket Board of Control (BCBC) president El James is confident that the current search for a national coach will reap an individual of real quality, with the ability to implement programmes needed to take the sport to the next level.

The recently advertised position has garnered interest from many of the world's cricket hot-spots, with some 12 applications received so far.

"We've had a tremendous response, with close to a dozen applications from some really great names, some really high profile individuals ... coaches who were high profile players at one time as well,'' said James yesterday, as he watched the Camel Cup final.

"We've had applicants from four different countries -- Australia, South Africa, England, West Indies -- we've had them from everywhere, and we also have one from Bermuda.

"We are confident that we will find someone that's capable of doing what we expect to be done here.'' The successful applicant will work under the direction of the Board's coaching committee, with the role of assessing, developing, managing and administering the various programmes designed to promote and develop cricket throughout the Island at all levels.

Additional responsibilities will include coaching and participating in the selection of all national teams and providing technical advice and assistance to the BCBC, clubs and in the school system.

Only certified coaches with at least 10 years experience will be considered, meaning that applicants must possess a recognised certification to advanced level or equivalent qualification.

"We're looking for them to come in with the expertise and know-how to set up what we want,'' added James. "We'll give them the guidelines -- we want them to go into the schools, work with the community clubs, establish the various age groups and senior squad, conduct coaching courses -- tell them what we want and they will then come back and tell us how it's going to be done, or at least recommend, and then we'll go from there.'' While Bermuda is looking to make strides on the international front, James noted that it was imperative the domestic situation be the initial focus.

And that means re-establishing a structured programme in the schools, where the sport has dwindled in recent years.

"You can't focus on international and ignore the domestic, that's like building a house without a foundation,'' said James. "The domestic programme will have to be one of the primary concerns here, especially with the schools, the development of the youth, the development of the senior squad... and then the international will fall in place.

"Over the years it's fallen off a bit (in the schools), but, with the proper person working with the teachers, helping with lesson plans, I know we can get back into the schools and again make it a part of the physical education curriculum.'' James could not give a time frame for the actual hiring of the coach and refused to offer an exact figure in terms of salary, saying merely that the pay would be "competitive''.

However, he did note that newly installed West Indies `A' team coach, Willie Bourne would be returning next month to conduct a senior coaching course for the nine individuals who originally completed the junior version.

The Board aims to utilise the Barbadian's services in establishing a foundation for the preparation of the national team. It is hoped that by the time Bourne is ready to leave, a full-time national coach will be in place.

It is also the wish of James and the BCBC members that a Bermudian will be groomed to take over the post once the contract is complete -- assuming a foreigner is accepted for the initial posting.